This year's graduates entered a particularly frustrating job market. In fact, many still seek that elusive first post and are battling with far more established PR pros who are also out of work. Some might say this is an unfortunate time for would-be PR pros. Those who do are ignoring a glorious opportunity.

I recently reconnected with Joe Burke, whose story you might recall from our 2009 Career Guide. Armed with a PR degree from the University of Northern Iowa, ...